Kailh Box Royal vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that cater to different preferences are the Kailh Box Royal and the Wuque Studio WS Dash. The Box Royal is renowned for its pronounced tactile feedback, boasting an aggressive, nearly binary tactility that makes it an ideal choice for users who crave a robust typing experience. Its sharp and high-pitched sound profile further enhances the tactile sensation, making every keystroke feel satisfying. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes cutting-edge Hall Effect technology to produce a uniquely smooth keystroke characterized by a bright, clacky sound signature. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a refined typing experience with a modern twist. Whether you lean towards the tactile punch of the Box Royal or the elegant feel of the WS Dash, both switches offer compelling reasons to make them your go-to choice. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal and Wuque Studio WS Dash switches, a notable difference lies in their top housing materials. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer texture, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This quality allows the switch to absorb more sound and create a duller, rounder acoustic experience. In contrast, the WS Dash utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound, offering a more lively auditory feedback. Thus, while they both serve functional roles in the switch mechanics, the disparity in material choice leads to distinctly different auditory experiences during use.
However, the bottom housing of both switches offers a point of convergence, as both utilize nylon materials. This similarity means that regardless of the contrast in their top housings, both the Kailh Box Royal and WS Dash deliver a deeper and fuller sound due to the nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively. Consequently, when typing on both switches, users can expect a consistent sound profile from the bottom housing, which plays a significant role in the bottom-out experience. This unification of materials provides players and typists with a common auditory experience characterized by a satisfying and subdued acoustic feedback.
Despite the differences in top housing materials, the combined characteristics of the Kailh Box Royal and WS Dash switches create a rich auditory tapestry that varies by scenario. The nylon bottom housing ensures a familiar depth and fullness across both switches. In contrast, the unique top housing materials—nylon for the Box Royal and polycarbonate for the WS Dash—introduce individuality in sound profile during the release phase. This means that while both switches are distinct in their overall sound signature, their construction allows users to experience a blend of auditory qualities that can be tailored to personal preferences, catering to both those who favor deeper tones and those who enjoy crisp clarity.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Royal has an actuation force of 45 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, creating a more substantial typing experience favored by users who appreciate a firmer push. In contrast, the WS Dash has a lighter actuation force of 30 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to those who prefer a softer touch that allows for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. Consequently, the Box Royal is the heavier option, making it more suited for users seeking a tactile feedback experience, while the WS Dash promotes comfort with its lighter force, appealing to a wider range of users looking for prolonged usage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, we see a slight difference, with the Box Royal measuring 3.6 mm and the WS Dash at 3.5 mm. While the difference is minimal, the Box Royal offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel and a more deliberate actuation. On the other hand, the WS Dash’s shorter travel distance could provide faster responsiveness, making it an attractive choice for gamers who seek quick key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference; those who enjoy a bit more travel depth may lean towards the Kailh Box Royal, while those favoring rapid actuation may opt for the Wuque Studio WS Dash.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Kailh Box Royal comes in at $6.25, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Dash comes in at $7.49.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch is characterized by a high-pitched and sharp audio profile. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced and crisp sound during typing, offering a bright auditory experience without the deep resonation found in bass-heavy switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch presents a bright and clacky sound signature that, while not explicitly described in detail, suggests an engaging auditory experience that complements the tactile feedback. Both switches provide distinct dynamics, largely influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, which can further enhance or modify their sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Box Royal stands out with its notably sharp tactility, delivering a strong and crisp tactile bump that is both prominent and satisfying. This aggressive tactility allows users to be acutely aware of their key presses, making it a favored choice for those who appreciate high feedback intensity in their typing experience. Conversely, the tactile qualities of the WS Dash are not explicitly defined, leaving the specific nuances of its feel somewhat indeterminate. Given its hall effect mechanism, it may offer a smoother keystroke but without detailed descriptions, it’s challenging to directly compare its tactile feedback to that of the Box Royal.
In summary, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch offers a sharply tactile and high-pitched sound profile, making it a strong contender for users who enjoy intense feedback and crisp audio. Conversely, while the WS Dash is known for its bright clackiness and refined feel, the specifics about its tactile feedback remain a bit ambiguous. Together, these insights may guide newcomers in making informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and feel, as both switches provide distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, your preferences and typing style will play a significant role. If you favor a more assertive typing experience with a pronounced tactile feedback, the Box Royal is an excellent choice thanks to its sharp, binary tactility and higher bottom out force of 70 grams. This makes it particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a robust feel and a lively high-pitched sound profile that can energize your typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother, lighter keystroke experience, the WS Dash will serve you well with its medium-light force of 55 grams. Its refined sound profile and silky smooth movement cater to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, making it ideal for long periods of use or for creative tasks where fluidity is key. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the balance between feedback and comfort that aligns with your personal keyboard experience, thereby enhancing your overall productivity and enjoyment.
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